Martin L. Bassett (l) and Brent L. Saunders.
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NEW YORK—The Optometric Center of New York, the affiliated foundation of the SUNY College of Optometry, will honor two dynamic industry leaders at its 13th Annual “Eyes on New York” gala at The Plaza Hotel here in April 2016.

Brent L. Saunders, the CEO and president of Allergan (NYSE:AGN) and Martin L. Bassett, the president and CEO representing the employees of Walman, will be honored at the signature event on Friday evening, April 15 which coincides with Vision Expo East. Jerry Warner, president of CooperVision for North America, will serve as corporate chair.

Saunders heads Allergan, a unique, global pharmaceutical company focused on developing, manufacturing and commercializing innovative pharmaceuticals, including a leading portfolio of eyecare products, for patients around the world. Prior to joining Allergan, he served as CEO and president of Forest Laboratories. He also served as chief executive officer of Bausch + Lomb, a leading global eye health company. Saunders has also held several leadership positions at Schering-Plough, including president of Global Consumer Health Care. He began his career as chief compliance officer for the Thomas Jefferson University Health System.

He earned an MBA from Temple University School of Business, a J.D. from Temple University School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He is the former chairman of the New York chapter of the American Heart Association.

Bassett oversees Walman, a diversified national wholesale optical firm providing products and services to independent optometric practices, insurance plans, retail eyecare centers and ophthalmic manufacturers. With 1,000 employees, Walman serves nearly 10,000 customers from 39 offices throughout the U.S. and the company is marking its centennial this year. Bassett assumed the duties as CEO in 2001 after serving the company in the areas of finance and operations. Over the past 15 years, Walman has grown from a regional optical laboratory business into the largest independent wholesale optical company in the U.S. Walman is recognized as one of America’s 100 largest employee-owned companies.

Bassett currently serves as the chairman of The Vision Council, where he previously served as vice chairman, chair of the Government Relation and Advocacy Committee as well as the secretary and treasurer. He is also a member of the Governance Board of Children’s Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota.

Since its inception, the OCNY has had an ongoing commitment to supporting vision care for the poor and underserved, awarding scholarships to optometry students who are academically outstanding and financially deserving and supporting research that will advance eye and vision care. Its annual gala is the OCNY’s most important fundraising event and a perennial highlight surrounding the events of Vision Expo East.

Information about the Eyes on New York Gala journal, tickets and table info are available from SUNY Optometry’s Ann Warwick at awarwick@sunyopt.edu or (212) 938-5600.